Pilot Project Evaluates Snow Crab Production

An evaluation on snow crab processing by Quinlan Brothers Limited, in partnership with the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation and the Fisheries and Marine Institute, has been undertaken with funding support from the Provincial Government. With $9,214 from the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities program, Quinlan Brothers Limited will explore improving crab processing yield on a pilot basis, which could lead to a commercial trial.

“Our government recognizes the importance of supporting research and evaluation in the fishing industry in order to remain competitive in the world marketplace,” said the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “Evaluation from this project in particular will provide insight on how to garner more yield from snow crab. The entire industry can benefit from this research and I am pleased to see companies like Quinlan Brothers taking advantage of our Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program in this regard.”

This pilot will see the Quinlan Brothers work to improve snow crab processing by evaluating a new convection cooking unit. The evaluation of the cooker’s use will compare results from the new forced-convection method with the current boil system in place. Factors such as yield and quality will be considered. If this research is successful, there is potential for a larger-scale second-phase evaluation in a commercial setting.

“I am very pleased to see our government supporting this project,” said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Child, Youth and Family Services and MHA for Trinity - Bay de Verde. “Fostering future growth and opportunity, as Quinlan Brothers are undertaking, is extremely important for the long-term viability of this industry. I sincerely look forward to the results of this innovative project.”

Robin Quinlan, Vice President of Quinlan Brothers Limited, is also pleased by the Provincial Government’s support.

“Pursuing new and innovative ways to process fish is extremely important to the province’s fishing industry, and to businesses such as ours,” said Mr. Quinlan. “We have to continue to keep up with the demand for quality product from all over the world. We appreciate the Provincial Government’s assistance with this project and the advancements it’s funding.”

During the first three years of the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, the Provincial Government invested approximately $6 million to support a total of 127 industry-driven projects. The program was continued for another three years with a total investment of $6.6 million through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador.

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2011 12 15                           10:15 a.m.